Ukraine must be allowed to strike Russia, says Zelensky

President urges Keir Starmer to 'show leadership' and permit British missiles to be used on targets inside Russian territory

- ARCHIE MITCHELL, TOM WATLING

Volodymyr Zelensky used his historic address to the UK cabinet to urge Sir Keir Starmer to "show leadership" and let Ukraine use British weapons for strikes deep inside Russia. The Ukrainian president yesterday became the first foreign leader to address the cabinet in person since Bill Clinton in 1997, calling for support for his country's "long-range capability”.

In his address to the cabinet, Mr Zelensky said that "if the restriction on Western weapons is lifted" it would help Kyiv to strengthen its defences and secure its frontline positions. He said "it is possible to destroy" areas in Russia where weapons are being concentrated.

On the subject of long-range capability, the president said: "We are still missing the main answer to this question," as he told the prime minister: "I ask you to show your leadership." Mr Zelensky has said the ability to use Western weapons to strike inside Russian territory is important to Ukraine's efforts to defend itself against Moscow.

The UK government has suggested that the deployment of British missiles is ultimately a matter for Ukraine, as long as international law is upheld. So far, the government has allowed Kyiv to launch British-made Storm Shadow missiles against targets in Crimea and mainland Ukraine but has banned them from being fired at targets inside Russia.

Storm Shadows - precision-guided cruise missiles with a firing range of over 250km (155 miles) - have been used by the British and French air forces in the Gulf, Iraq and Libya.

Earlier this month, Sir Keir appeared to signal that the ban had been lifted, saying it is "up to Ukraine to decide" how to use the missiles as long as the country complies with international law. Downing Street was then forced to insist that government policy "had not changed", with officials concerned that the decision could draw the UK into the conflict.